Wellness in the Schools

Wellness in the Schools (WITS) inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness and fitness as a way of life for kids in public schools. Through meaningful public/private partnerships with school leadership, teachers, chefs, coaches, parents and kids, WITS develops and implements programs that provide healthy foods, healthy environments and opportunities for regular play to help kids learn and grow.

What began as a grassroots effort by a small group of concerned New York City public school parents in 2005 is now a rapidly growing nonprofit organization recognized nationwide as a leader in food, fitness and wellness programming.

In an effort to combat childhood obesity and create healthier learning environments, WITS developed Cook for Kids and Coach for Kids, hands-on food and fitness programs that are poised for replication nationwide. Cook for Kids has received national accolades from First Lady Michelle Obama, and the WITS model served as inspiration for the Chefs Move to Schools Initiative. Since WITS began offering these innovative wellness-oriented programs in 2008, the organization has grown from three New York City classrooms to serving 30,000 students in over 50 schools across Kentucky, Florida and New York. By directly engaging students around healthy eating and fitness, WITS is able to create a ripple effect into the larger community: students who work with WITS cooks and coaches bring that knowledge home with them, sharing with their freinds, family and neighbors.

Visit the Wellness in the Schools website to learn more about this organization and how you can bring WITS to your school!